Real Madrid News
Real Madrid coach likely to start Spaniard vs Bayern in key position ahead of first-choice star
Real Madrid are gearing up for perhaps their biggest match of the season as they play hosts to Bayern Munich in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals.
Heading into this game tonight, there are multiple selection dilemmas for coach Alvaro Arbeloa, one of which is in the left-back position.
It was believed that the coach would have no less than three options to choose from, but it appears Ferland Mendy has been ruled out of the clash, leaving Arbeloa to choose between either Fran Garcia or Alvaro Carreras.
Fran Garcia to start vs Bayern?
According to Diario AS, Real Madrid are likely to start with Garcia in the left-back position against Bayern Munich, ahead of Carreras.
This could prove to be a prudent decision as Garcia has shown a lot of promise in recent times, whereas Carreras has struggled with injuries.
Not to mention, the former SL Benfica starlet struggled immensely in the recent defeat to Mallorca and was one of three players singled out after that shock defeat.
Garcia, to that end, could prove more stability on the left flank, where Real Madrid would have to defend against the onslaught of Michael Olise, widely considered the best winger in the Bundesliga right now.
Although Garcia has struggled with consistency throughout his spell at Real Madrid so far, he is the most fit left-back available at the disposal of Arbeloa currently.
Carreras, in contrast, has a more attacking nature and could leave acres of space in behind, potentially allowing the likes of Olise to capitalise and punish the Los Blancos defence.
Real Madrid News
Arsenal in contact with Real Madrid forward’s camp over potential transfer – report
Doubts about Rodrygo Goes’ long-term future at Real Madrid having been growing for some time.
The Brazilian’s situation had become uncomfortable over the past couple of seasons as he experienced a sudden decline in form. And, just when it seemed like he was about to turn things around, an ACL injury ruled him out in March earlier this year.
With Rodrygo now facing an extended spell on the sidelines, his recovery will be crucial. He is expected to return in December or January, and the club will monitor how he responds physically before determining what role he will play under Jose Mourinho.
Arsenal keeping tabs on Rodrygo
Now, according to TEAMtalk (h/t Bernabeu Digital), Arsenal are in contact with Rodrygo’s representatives over a potential future move.
The report states that the Gunners had already attempted to sign the Brazilian before his injury, and their interest has now resurfaced ahead of a possible move in the summer of 2027.
The Premier League champions had also explored the possibility of signing Vinicius Jr. from Real Madrid this past summer, before he signed a new long-term contract at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Now, their attention seems to have switched Vinicius’ fellow Brazilian forward who is closing in on his return from the ACL rupture.
Real Madrid want to keep Rodrygo until the summer
As already reported, Rodrygo will not leave Real Madrid in January. The intention is for the winger to regain full fitness and become available to Mourinho for the second half of the season.
Real Madrid are not considering selling the former Santos wonderkid during the January transfer window.
Instead, the club intend to reassess his situation next summer, once he has had the opportunity to recover and demonstrate his form on the pitch.
The plan is to have the Brazilian fit and available for the second half of the campaign before making a final decision at the end of the season.
Rodrygo’s performances after returning from injury, together with Mourinho’s assessment of his role in the squad, will help determine what happens next.
Depending on those factors, Real Madrid could consider allowing him to leave or decide that he still has an important future at the Santiago Bernabeu.
For now, Arsenal’s interest remains a possibility to watch, but Real Madrid are focused on Rodrygo’s recovery rather than negotiating a January departure.
